Canadian Heritage Information Network Invites Canadians to Visit its Valentine's Day Exhibit
OTTAWA, February 4, 2004 -- The Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN) today announced the launch of the new Virtual Museum of Canada exhibit entitled Valentine's Day: Love and Romance Through the Ages. This exhibit explores the history of Valentine's Day, which has been celebrated throughout the ages across North America and in some regions of Europe."The Canadian Heritage Information Network is proud to announce the launch of this educational and original exhibit presented through the Virtual Museum of Canada," said Jean-Marc Blais, Acting Director General of CHIN.
The virtual exhibit covers a wide variety of subjects, such as the symbols of love, Valentine's Day cards from different eras, medieval poetry, and the myths and rites associated with the day. One section is dedicated to the well-known love stories that have become a part of our culture, including Abelard and Helo?se, Romeo and Juliet, and Napoleon and Josephine.
As well, the exhibit traces the pagan and Christian origins of Valentine's Day. Visitors will learn about Valentine of Rome and Valentine of Terni, two martyrs from the third century whose stories form the origin of Valentine's Day celebrations.
"We are pleased to have contributed to the creation of an exhibit that celebrates love, a subject that touches all cultures," said Manon Roch, curator for the Maison Saint-Gabriel. "It is fascinating to discover how Valentine's Day has evolved through the ages and cultures since Roman Antiquity, and how it continues to occupy an important place in our traditions today."
Many of the illustrations have been provided by the museum's exhibit partners. The simple theme, straight-forward layout, and short explanatory texts make the site easy to use and accessible to everyone. It is also the Canadian Heritage Information Network's first on-line exhibit adapted for the needs of persons with visual or hearing impairments.
This exhibit was created in collaboration with several museums throughout Canada and around the world, including the Maison Saint-Gabriel in Quebec, the Provincial Museum of Alberta, the Cupids Museum in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Fanshawe Pioneer Village in Ontario, the Musée Colby-Curtis managed by the Société historique de Stanstead of Quebec, the Doon Heritage Crossroads in Ontario, the St. Mary's Museum in Ontario, the British Museum in London, and the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum in Florida.
The exhibit is presented exclusively on the Virtual Museum of Canada's Web site at:
http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Valentin/
About the Virtual Museum of Canada
The Virtual Museum of Canada is a unique portal that presents the countless stories and treasures found in Canadian museums. The museum was created by the Department of Canadian Heritage in collaboration with other federal organizations, academic institutions, private businesses, and more than 1000 museums. The Virtual Museum of Canada was created as part of a strategy to promote Canada's cultural works on the Internet.
Information:
Stéphane Cherpit
Director of Marketing and Communications
Canadian Heritage Information Network
(819) 994-1200
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